10 of the Most Romantic Rides in the US

This bi-state ride begins in Cincinnati, Ohio, and runs along the Ohio River in Northern Kentucky. The winding ride goes through many scenic parks, passes by farm stands, and includes a river crossing. The Anderson Ferry (in use since 1817) costs $1 per bike.

This 44-mile loop around Hawaii's Big Island runs along the Pacific coast and inland to the base of 5,480-foot Kohala—the oldest volcano on the island. Highlights include saying you've cycled through Hawi, the small town best known as the turnaround point for the bike portion of the Ironman World Championship. While third wheels are usually not welcome on dates, there might be an exception: Do this ride with tour company Ride & Seek and your guide could be retired pro Alex Candelario.

Featuring covered bridges, lavender fields, ponds, waterfalls, and breathtaking views of the San Juan Islands, Vancouver Island, and Mount Baker, this 37-mile stretch of the Olympic Discovery Trail is a world away from the caffeinated crowds of Seattle. It’s a rail trail boasting Olympic National Park on one side and Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge and the Salish Sea on the other.

Start in Calistoga, California, and ride between the surrounding vineyards nestled in the shadows of the Mayacamas Mountains. Loops can range from 15 to 30 miles. Randy Johnson, owner of Sonoma on a Bike, recommends cycling from Chateau Montelena to Bennett Lane via Tubbs Lane, calling it the most romantic ride in wine country. End back in Calistoga where there are many indoor and outdoor mineral springs and volcanic ash mud baths to soak in.

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DiscoverSouthCarolina.com

Roses are Red, the Blue Ridge Mountains Are Blue

Escape to Traveler’s Rest in the northwestern corner of South Carolina. With a topography reminiscent of the south of France, this is where George Hincapie trained for the Tour de France and built his boutique hotel for cyclists. The strenuous six-mile climb up to Caesar’s Head State Park near the North Carolina border isn’t for the faint of heart, but the scenic views and the fudge shop at the top make the trip well worth it.

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New Mexico Tourism Department

Relaxing by the Rio Grande

Cruise to the cottonwoods in the Rio Grande River Valley along roads traveled by thousands of couples over time. This 16-mile, out-and-back route runs from the historic city center of Albuquerque, New Mexico, through the village of Los Ranchos and on to the organic farms and lavender fields in Los Poblanos. At the restaurant at Poblanos Historic Inn, riders can dine on cuisine coming from more than a dozen local farms and dairies before returning to Albuquerque.

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Mick Shea

Fanning Flames in Florida

The 32-mile Nature Coast Trail cuts through the scenic Suwannee River Valley in north central Florida. There are plenty of private places to stop and steal a kiss while riding through a shady tunnel of trees and across an abandoned train trestle on this quiet, paved trail running adjacent to the old Atlantic Coastline Railroad. Couples can rent a cabin in Fanning Springs State Park, home to crystal clear springs for snorkeling breaks, and ride to nearby Manatee Springs State Park for extra adventures.

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Nick Wilder/MTB Project

Lactic Acid Loves Company in Utah

Fall in love with your significant other and nature amidst sand pits, slick rock, arches, and domes exaggerated by extreme desert surroundings. Poison Spider Mesa Trail, a difficult trail in Moab, Utah, is a must for mountain bikers looking to bond while being pushed to their limits. Although there’s only 1,000 feet of vertical gain, the 14-mile loop includes the Portal Trail descent, and is for experts only. Take the 12-mile out-and-back if you're not sure if your skills are up to par.

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Homer Cycling Club

Alaska Is for Lovers

Love is in the air—especially when that air is encased in 4-inch-wide tires. As long as they pay attention to tide tables, fat-biking couples can ride on the snow and sand in Alaska’s Kachemak Bay on the Kenai Peninsula. Fat bike rentals are available at Cycle Logical in the town of Homer. In March, this glacier country town of 5,000 hosts the Big Fat Bike Festival.

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Maine Office of Tourism

Go Coastal in Maine

Ride along the rugged-yet-charming coastline in Maine's Acadia National Park to kindle a spark or keep one going. Explore the old, car-free carriage roads and the spruce fir forests of the Schoodic Peninsula, or throw a blanket in the bike’s basket and pedal to a secluded beach to catch the sunset (remember those bike lights for a pleasant trip back!). Loops range from 13 to 29 miles.

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